cold start deisel astra will not start when cold ,it smokes a lot but will not start?

Question

my astra 1.7dt 1993 astra will not start when cold can anyone say why /not very happy/

Answer 1

Check that your leak off pipes are not split if they are it will give symptoms discribed.If not get your glowplugs and relay checked MIck UK

Answer 2

Glow plugs!!

Use a 12 bulb connected between chassis earth and the thick cable running to the glow plugs to check they are getting a supply - the bulb should light for about 20 sec when the ignition is turned on (pos 2) - if the bulb does not light suspect the fuse or the relay

Use an Ohmmeter to check the continuity through each plug (take the supply wire off first) - expect this reading to be quite low

Answer 3

Replace the glow plugs, and check for water in the fuel.

Your local garage should do this at a fair price.

Another tip is to turn on the ignition, leave on for ten seconds, turn off again, then repeat. Then try starting up. If battery OK, this can sometimes work, but you need to get the above checked out.

Answer 4

I had the same with a 1986 astra diesel, before I did another 200,000 miles on the same engine without recon/rings.
OK, go for :-
GOOD glo-plugs(for cold ignition on all cylinders), GOOD battery (diesels need to turn over quicker), GOOD quality oil (diesels need compression, old oil gets contaminated with diesel fuel ), injector cleaner from the accessory shop , air filter. Could go on, start with the gloplugs.
And this stuff really works :-
http://www.asta3000.com/index-en.php
I've used it for year's.

Answer 5

Without a doubt it's the glow plugs. Piece of cake to change (exactly the same as changing sparkplugs, the even look similar) and won't cost more than £15.

Any bloke should be able to do it.

Answer 6

One or more of your glow plugs has gone down, they are not hard to change your self as long as you have the correct tools, you can tell where they are on the head, as they are all connected by a single wire connecting to each one in turn, you can test which ones are not working by removing each one in turn and connecting it to a battery if it glows red hot it is good, if it doesn't its not.

Answer 7

The Glow plugs are on the blink

Answer 8

Sounds like a tired starter, or your glow plugs need changing

Answer 9

if you get lots of black smoke, get your glow plugs checked out, they may be a bit iffy, had the same problem with my pajero. a bugger when cold but in the summer no problem, the plugs are not that expensive

Answer 10

check that you have no air leaks in your fuel system letting the fuel syfone back and starving the engine of fuel, if not then glow plugs, good luck.